Remembering Fallout 2 as it turns 20

Black Isle Studios' turn-based, open-world post-apocalyptic role-playing game came out on 30th September 1998 to rave reviews and it is now considered one of the greatest RPGs of the era.

Fallout 2 is set in 2241. The town of Arroyo is under threat from a drought, and it's up to you to venture out into the wasteland to retrieve a Garden of Eden Creation Kit to save the day. It is an understatement to say things do not go well.

Chris Avellone, one of the designers on the game, tweeted to mark the occasion:

Happy 20th to #Fallout2, I can't tell you how grateful I had the chance to work on it. Many thanks to Tim, Leonard, Jason, and the whole Fallout 1 team who made the 1st game so special (no pun intended) and paved the way for many more Fallouts to come. <3 #Falloutpic.twitter.com/sPu7tBOxQC

I loved Fallout 2 for a variety of reasons. It was packed with memorable characters (I still have nightmares about Myron), had some great dialogue, and the overarching story was a real rollercoaster. But the best thing about it, for me, was the freedom with which you could approach the game. That and it absolutely nailed the tone the wacky retro futuristic post-apocalypse is known for.

The video below is a fantastic making of Fallout 1 and 2, with tales from the early days of Black Isle. Make yourself a cuppa and get comfy - it's a big one.